Pilates
“Change happens through movement, and movement heals.””
Why Pilates?
Flexibility.
Pilates is a method of movement using a combination of static and dynamic stretching exercises which are safe to provide increasing flexibility. Flexibility or stretching exercises are critical to functional quality of life, performance improvement and injury and pain reduction. Pilates is a proven and safe method for improving flexibility, which is increasingly important as we age.
Muscle strength and tone.
Pilates uses your own body weight (an occasionally small hand weights) for resistance and focuses on all of the muscles of the body from the small stabilising muscles of the core to the larger muscle groups of the back, arms and legs. Over time, core strength and muscle tone increases.
Relaxation & stress management.
Pilates lets you concentrate your attention on one thing – your body. Whether you want it or not, you have to clear your mind of any distractions if you are performing Pilates.
Pilates relieves tension built up in the muscles through gentle stretching and gradual conditioning. When you get stress out of your body, you also get it out of your mind.
“A body free from nervous tension and fatigue is the ideal shelter provided by nature for housing a well balanced mind, fully capable of successfully meeting all the complex problems of modern living”.
~Joseph Pilates
Co-ordination and balance.
Pilates exercises are designed to improve trunk proprioception. By decreasing the base of support (or by making you less balanced in a position) your core muscles have to work harder to keep you stable.
Every move in Pilates requires a combination of breath, flow, concentration, balance, precision and control. These together improve the co-ordination of the mind and body.
Methods.
Mat Pilates.
A series of exercises performed on the floor using body weight to provide resistance. This class aims to condition the deep, stabilising muscles of the body to improve posture, balance and co-ordination by putting you into unstable postures and challenging your body to either hold or move your limbs.
Work at the level (or layer) that suits you, meaning that you can make the work out as hard as you want to challenge yourself!
Barre Pilates.
A low impact class to strengthen and sculpt. Combining the principles of Pilates with ballet and mindful movement this class focuses on the lower body and improves the function of the pelvic floor.
No dance experience necessary.
Lite Pilates.
The perfect way to squeeze some movement into your day, this 30 minute class focuses on the fundamentals of Pilates: Breathing, Concentration, Control, Centring, Flow and Precision.
Join us…
Pay as you go.
PAYG classes are bookable via the booking system below and take place at Shalford Village Hall, CM7 5EZ. You can book up to 30 minutes before the start of each class.
